Zeigler's Headquarters: Day One, 10am!

Situation 9.40am, Day One

The weather is fine.

The main body of Zeigler's force is just short of Humpe. A messenger has arrived from Colonel Pfanensteil, who reports that Schrote is held by a weak enemy force: he intends to attack at once and seize the town. Success is assured. A few minutes after the receipt of this message, the firing from the east begins to die down. Thus far, the advancing main force has met no resistance. The few civilians not driven from the roads by the hussar advance guard have evinced unease, but no outright hostility.

Zeigler should be at Schrote within an hour. Probably.


Situation 9.50am, Day One

Zeigler's forces has just passed through the hamlet of Humpe. Not coincidently, ‘Humpe’ rhymes with ‘dump’. Most of the villagers seem to have fled. In Humpe, the colonel detaches his two companies of jager. They will take the road to Tinkel Mill, burn it, and then move on to Oxfurt and Kambritz.

A messenger arrives from the Bachscuttel column, having ridden cross-country. The courier carries a message written at 9.30am, informing Zeigler that the Bachscuttelers have reached Redderblau Hill. It has been searched and there is no sign of Emperor George. From the position on the hill, an enemy force can be seen half a mile or so short of Schrote, approaching along the Hanau-Brancau road. The force seems to be more than a thousand strong, with guns and wagons. The Bachscuttel force will push forwards towards Schrote.

At 9.55am, Zeigler sends a messenger to recall the jager, deciding that there is likely to be a main engagement at Schrote. He then sends a messenger back to the Bachscuttel detachment, ordering them to unite with the main body at Schrote. If this union is impossible due to the location of enemy forces, they are to harry the enemy rear, and attempt to seize wagons and baggage.

Situation 10am, Day One

The cathedral spire of Schrote has come into sight. Zeigler's force is probably only a mile or so from the town itself. The colonel decides to push on but warns all regiments that the main enemy force is likely to be near. He sends a galloper to make contact with von Pfanenstiel and report back.